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Korean Register to class three ultra-large containerships

Korean Register (KR) is to class three new-build ultra-large containerships. The 10,100 teu vessels, ordered by Danaos Corporation, are to be built by Hyundai Sambo Heavy Industries and will be delivered in 2011. This is the first time that Danaos - a leading international owner of containerships, chartering vessels to many of the world’s largest liner companies - has chosen KR as its class partner.

On sealing the arrangement, Danaos President and CEO, Dr John Coustas remarked, ‘KR has very strong technical ties with the major Korean shipyards and I’m also aware of their finely honed technical competence and survey capabilities. I am confident that they will provide the high quality of service required for the safe and robust construction of these three new additions to our fleet.’

In reply, KR’s Chairman and CEO, Mr Oh, Kong-gyun said, ‘We are very excited about the opportunity to work with one of the world’s leading containership owners and I am confident that my team will meet ’ or exceed ’ their expectations. We have worked hard over the past few years to raise the profile of our technical skills across the globe and the decision by Danaos demonstrates that KR is a player on the world stage’

Technical teams from Danaos have already visited KR’s head office to familiarise themselves with a series of shipbuilding software developed by KR which will be used to build the new additions to their fleet.

The enhanced international profile of KR has been further demonstrated recently by the wide adoption of its SeaTrust-CSR software that governs newbuildings of tankers and bulkships under the Common Structural Rules. This software package is now being used by the major Korean shipyards.

In addition, a customer satisfaction survey (relating to classification societies) conducted late last year by the Korean Shipbuilders’ Association ’ whose membership includes the world’s top seven shipbuilders - concluded that the Korean Register was their second most favoured class society with which to work. A further indication of KR’s technical competence and the trust it now enjoys from the world’s leading shipbuilders.